Stop depending on Osimhen — Former Super Eagles star cries out, demands balanced attack

Former Nigerian international Etim Esin has called for a more balanced attacking approach in the Super Eagles, urging the team to move away from their over-reliance on star striker Victor Osimhen.

Esin's comments come amid the recent fallout between Osimhen and former Super Eagles coach Finidi George, which has been a major talking point in the Nigerian football community.

The former forward is not pleased with the current situation in the national team, particularly after the team's disappointing results in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where they registered just one point from a possible six against South Africa and the Benin Republic.

Esin highlighted the fact that Osimhen was absent for Finidi's first two official matches as head coach, a draw and a defeat, a situation that led to the alleged comments made by Finidi that he would not beg the reigning Africa Footballer of the Year to play for the country.

A war of words followed which saw Osimhen publicly express his loss of respect for the coach on Instagram Live, and Esin believes this situation is unacceptable.

The former Nigerian dazzler emphasised the need for more variation in the Super Eagles' attacking approach, suggesting that Osimhen should even be rested in some games, like the defeat to the Benin Republic, to allow for a more balanced team performance.

“That is how football is played, good link-up plays and goals coming from all corners of the team," Esin added.

Esin's comments reflect the growing concerns among Nigerian football followers after the latest show of shame that also saw Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface benched.

As the Super Eagles look to revive their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, with the NFF search for a foreign technical adviser underway, Esin's message could serve as a timely reminder for the team's management and coaching staff to address this issue.